Apple Secretly Working On Automotive Batteries With Chinese Firm

Local Chinese media is reporting that Apple is secretly working with a local battery manufacturer to research and develop automotive batteries.

For many months now, it’s been believed that Apple’s aim of producing an all-electric vehicle had been scrapped and that it was instead focusing its automotive efforts on developing self-driving software.

Now, Yicai Global has learnt that the technology company is working with Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) under a confidentiality agreement.

In 2011, CATL was split off from Amperex Technology, Apple’s largest consumer electronics supplier and while Apple is refusing to comment on the possibility of it developing automotive batteries, some suggest it is an indication that its electric vehicle goals remain intact.

According to CCID Consulting’s new energy director Wu Hui, “If Apple is working with CATL on a battery, the possibility that Apple will continue to make cars cannot be ruled out as one of the core components of self-driving electric cars is the battery.”

Expect to hear more about this partnership in the coming months.

Renderings via Click Mechanic